WAC 16-489-010   Blueberry scorch virus.  Blueberry scorch virus is an aphid-borne virus that causes necrosis of leaves and flowers in susceptible blueberry varieties, leading to a decline in productivity. A strain of blueberry scorch virus benign to varieties commonly grown in the Pacific Northwest has been historically present in Washington. Now a more virulent strain of blueberry scorch virus has been identified in western North America. If this virulent strain is introduced into the state, it will have a severe economic impact on Washington's blueberry industry. The strains of blueberry scorch virus cannot be readily distinguished by standard laboratory testing methods, making it necessary to eliminate all strains of this virus from Washington. A quarantine is established under authority of chapters 17.24 and 15.13 RCW, in order to prevent introduction and spread of all strains of blueberry scorch virus.



[Statutory Authority: Chapters 17.24, 15.13 RCW. 02-13-125, § 16-489-010, filed 6/19/02, effective 7/20/02.]